HEADLINES... This month’s top stories:

Enhancements to Online Terminology Dictionary

ASTM's online Terminology Dictionary, a Web feature that is accessible to all participating and organizational ASTM members free of charge, has undergone enhancements. The dictionary now contains 76,000 terms and features expanded search options so that searches can be done by keywords that are a part of the term or definition, or further sorted by standard or committee. To access the Online Terminology Dictionary, login to the "My ASTM" section of the ASTM home page.

2008 ASTM Advantage Award

ASTM is again seeking success stories that clearly demonstrate the benefits of ASTM standards with the 2008 Advantage Award. Papers should demonstrate real life examples of the positive impact of an ASTM standard(s) and include supporting data and background information. Cash prizes for this year's award are $15,000 for first prize; $10,000 for second prize; and $5,000 for third prize. For more information, click here.

ANSI/NAM Network on Chemical Regulation

The second meeting of the ANSI/NAM Network on Chemical Regulation was held at ASTM headquarters on Jan. 21-22. At the meeting, the network, sponsored by ANSI and the National Association of Manufacturers, formed working groups to strategically address chemical-related regulatory issues that have been identified as having the most significant impact across all industries. For more information on the ANSI/NAM Network and Committee F40 on Declarable Substances in Materials, click here.

Biofuel Standards in New Energy Law

The "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007," signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on Dec. 17, 2007, references several ASTM biofuel standards in an effort to promote the use of alternative fuels. The bill mandates the use of ASTM D 6751 for biodiesel blendstock used in the U.S., and exempts some biomass-based diesel blends from new labeling requirements if they meet ASTM D 975. For more information on Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and ASTM fuel standards, click here.

New Pool Safety Law Cites ASTM Standard

A new law signed by U.S. President George W. Bush, the "Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act," cites ASTM F 2387, Standard Specification for Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. The law establishes federal safety standards for swimming pools and spas, and requires that new pools and spas include safer drainage systems that reduce the likelihood of children being trapped under water.

GLOBAL NOTES . . . ASTM around the world:

New MOU Signing

ASTM has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Grenada Bureau of Standards. The MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. To date, 56 MOUs have been signed. For more information about the MOU program, click
here.

ASTM Meets With China Toy Association

ASTM staff members attending February's Toy Industry Association (TIA) Toy Fair in New York City met with representatives from the China Toy Association (CTA) to discuss ASTM's existing relationships in China as well as the opportunities for future collaborations. CTA includes more than 2,000 members representing 75 percent of the Chinese production of toy products. One possible area for future collaboration between CTA and ASTM is the Chinese translation of ASTM F 963, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.

White Paper Analyzes Biofuel Specs; References ASTM Standards

The governments of the world's major biofuel producers recently released "White Paper on Internationally Compatible Biofuels Standards." ASTM standards are among those extensively referenced in this report, which is part of an international initiative to facilitate trade for biofuels. For more information on the report, click here.

COMMITTEE NEWS... The latest from ASTM's technical
committees:

Specification Used by Federal Railroad Administration

A new ruling by the Federal Railroad Administration cites a D04 standard as a means of making emergency exits from trains more visible to emergency personnel. [Full story]

International Requests Lead to Total Evaporation Standard

In response to requests from fuel producers around the world, the committee on Nuclear Fuel Cycle has developed a standard for using the total evaporation method to determine uranium or plutonium composition. [Full story]

Protection from Portable Pool Risks

A new standard from committee on Consumer Products focuses on specific issues presented by portable pools. [Full story]

Forum on Thermal Insulation

Three presenters will give their perspectives on the role of thermal insulation in an era of rising energy prices, increased environmental concerns and increased demand for power & process industrial facilities at a Committee C16 forum to be held in April. [Full story]

DID YOU KNOW?...Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices

Safety at Amusement Parks

We all know how fun amusement rides can be, but what helps make them safe? ASTM CommitteeF24 on Amusement Rides and Devices has been providing the foundation for amusement safety laws and regulations for the past 30 years. From roller coasters and water slides to newer amusements such as inflatable devices and go karts, F24 standards are incorporated into many of the safety regulations for amusement rides that 42 of the 50 states have adopted. Big or small, Committee F24 is dedicated to keeping all riders and amusement park visitors safe. For more information on Committee F24, click here.

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